For some, turning 50 is a tea break on the flowering path of security and success. All the little piggy’s lined up; happy grown family, mortgages paid, increased time to climb and play. . . Ref: Chapter 12, A Guide to The American Dream. I got stuck on chapter 11 and at 51 a self made antithesis of that dream, juggling the teetering catastrophe is taking on a new element . . . . physical ability.

Enjoyed decades of moderate 11's and A3 climbing without really bleeding for it, but since passing 45 those ratings have dropped about 2 grades per year. These days French freeing steep sidewalks is totally on.

Hope to end all that on a good note, slide in a few more walls and bucket list routes before I take up extreme lounging. Recently committed to a Paleo diet to rid the pig wings, begrudgingly cut out libations and started a regular workout routine. Already feeling a boost in energy and stoke, but still regarding wall climbing, having a hard time shaking concerns of blown out muscles and tendons, recovery time etc.

Probably sounds more like torn sack which I can accept, regardless, still interested in experiences and perspectives from climbers in their finer years whether pulling down hard, just recreating or having donated the rack.

What are you doing to stay in the game, how’s your drive to push it, how is (was) it hanging up the gear for good?
Abe

Mostly cruise control for me, mate. I'm up and down, in health, in the world, in climbing. On the upswing right now - recovering well from spinal chord surgery and lots of tumultuous uproar in life, spring is in the air here in the central valley, poppies blooming, orchards going off, honey bees by the billions - its NICE!

Feeling the same old desire to climb. I love her still. Sometimes she's a stern demandtrix, doling out punishment for over reaching. Other times she's a sweet lover caressing my brow and rewarding my exertions with a warm glow.

I'm sure I'll trip over something soon and hurt myself again though :) My left ankle has some numbness that affects my balance. Almost pitched head first off a cliff 2 or 3 weeks ago; tripped while setting a TR. I'm a danger to myself and others!!!!11111 :D

But know what?

Spring is in the air, trusty rusty and so is climbing. And so long as I'm fit, I'll be pining for it. Ratings are only important to me in that I can intelligently pick an objective. The rate itself, while such games still tickle my ego from time to time? Its more about - measuring myself against my own past performance, a thermometer of my own making. Can I push the mercury up the tube one more time?

Since I didn't start climbing until my late 40's, I have the advantage of being a never-was instead of a has-been. At 60, I'm climbing the hardest I ever have, but that isn't saying much - leading 5.9 trad and 5.10 sport. All those boring but effective strategies - healthy diet, rest, exercise - play a role in hiding your true age from your body. I'm just grateful each time my body is still able to chew what my mind has bitten off. The more cool places in the world I go climbing the more places I want to get to. I know one of these times it will all come to an end, either with a bang or a whimper, but for now I'm enjoying the ride.

Myself- mid 50s, my desire isnt there as it once was- financial and medical issues take their toll. Sometimes the presures of life must take a front seat. That being said, i still enjoy getting out and care not one bit about "numbers" anymore. In fact, those many easier "noob" routes now take on an appeal they never had before, so there is still plenty of new ground to go forth and enjoy. Peaks and mountaineering as well. Rock air and rope is still the same, just on a different level. Nowadays im the king o 5.3D..! We earned our stripes long ago, and nothing left to prove but having fun..

I know one climber who peaked climbing 7c/5.12.d at the age of 65. When I climbed with him a couple of years ago he was 73 and still able to lead routes graded 6c/5.11.c on vertical wall even though he hadn't climbed much the last few years. The only place you could see the age was during steep O2 demanding walks to get to the cliffs.

I'm not sure what it really means to age gracefully I suppose I mean to go not too gentle into that good night, you know, rage, rage against the dying of the light. I got pretty competent climbing in my 20s and 30s and then increasing responsibility, kids, family: the climbing and adventure seemed to drift away. Then started at the gym in my forties and to my surprise got in the best climbing shape of my life. But here I am just about to turn 66 wishing I was a hell of a lot younger, thinking I'd like to cut out to the Valley this week and see if I have anything left at all. Really missing the place... whew, too much self pity got to get back to work.

57c and in the best overall shape of my life. 5'10" 154lbs. Very active, climbing a lot, and running at least one half marathon length trail run a month since december of 2011. Haven't eaten mammal flesh since 1982, haven't done booze since 2010. I think that's all part of it. I've also been incredibly fortunate health wise.

Climbed 5.11+ ow on Sunday, yesterday I did a fifteen mile trail run and lifted weights. Today is a rest day. I feel better when I'm active. I feel rundown if I sit too long.

I'm in a fairly unique position as far as having freedom and locale in which to be this active. I don't know if I'm as good an all-round climber as I've been, but as far as the offwidth climbing I've been specializing in, I'm climbing about as well as ever.

A few years ago I was heavier, less active, though pretty achieve by normal standards, and had various aches and pains all the time.

I feel the ravages of father time at age 75, but I still have the desire to get out and "do stuff." Granted, I don't lead (much) anymore, but I can still haul my carcass up some longer climbs (8-10 leads) at a 5.6-5.8 difficulty. It still pleases me to do so...

+1 Jaybro!
I'm turning 50 on the upcoming green drinking holiday. Actually kinda psyched about it which is good cause not much choice in the matter.
Don't make the mistake of thinking you have time or that it is on your side. 50's = decide what's important and get after it.

Right you are John.....we are both old enough to have children fifty years old. I'm at DIA with a four hour layover on my way back from Patagonia....convoluted trip from hell, definetly feel my age right now.

If you go at it (assuming generally good health), you can still climb pretty hard. But, it takes much longer to get in shape (you have to work at it slowly and carefully and more) and you get out of shape much faster (take time off from activity and you lose it quickly).

Also, you are working off of the foundation you laid in years past (were you active or sedentary, took care of yourself or abused), genetics, and luck.